let your benediction rest upon our senators, as they strive to bring their stewardship in line with the destiny you desire for their lives. lord, make them channels of your grace, empowering them to serve our land in the spirit of children rejoicing in doing your will. replenish their limited human resources with strength from your limitless reservoir of grace. remind them that you won't ask them to do more than you will provide the strength to accomplish. fill this day with unexpected surprises of your mercy and love. we pray in your powerful name. amen. the presiding officer: please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. the presiding officer: under the previous -- mr. reid: mr. president? the presiding officer: the majority leader. mr. reid: thank you, mr. chairman. following leader remarks the senate will resume consideration of s. 47, the violence against women reauthorization act. the time w